Southwest's Net Jumps 57%
As Business Travel Recovers

Three of the biggest low-cost air carriers in the U.S. -- Southwest Airlines, America West Holdings Corp. and AirTran Holdings Inc. -- reported fourth-quarter profits Thursday as a recovering economy helped boost revenue.

The earnings underscore the success low-cost airlines are having in what has become a new low-fare environment. By keeping costs low, these carriers are generating profits even as larger airlines are still shouldering hefty losses.